2014 CitySquare Annual Report

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
ALEXANDER HOWARD
For Tonia Alexander Howard, serving on the board since 2006 means
more than being a figurehead or decision maker.
She was introduced to CitySquare by a friend who worked as a Director
of CitySquare’s afterschool program. As an elementary school principal,
Tonia was able to guide the teachers and help develop strategies for
them to better manage their classes. “The CitySquare staff is smart,
they have a good spirit and do such good work,” Tonia said. “I love that
people from all walks of life have an ability to be part of such important
work in our city.”
Tonia has also volunteered at CitySquare events, program sites,
and been encouraged by the relationships she has made with staff
and neighbors. “This summer, I volunteered to serve lunches at the
Opportunity Center,” Tonia explained. “Even the folks who were there to
receive a lunch started pitching in and helping set up to get ready for
serving—it affirmed that everyone has the ability to give, and it doesn’t
have to be just one way.”
‘‘
...Everyone has the ability to give, and
it doesn’t have to be just one way.
‘‘
She believes it is her job to introduce as many people to CitySquare as
she can. When sharing about the work of CitySquare with her family and
friends, she explains that she is so passionate about being a part of the
organization. “We are all one paycheck, one crisis, one economic crisis
away from being a neighbor,” Tonia said. “If it happened to me, I would be
grateful for organizations like CitySquare.”
Tonia and her husband Mark are foster parents to two young girls who
they feel blessed to have in their lives. She enjoys taking cooking classes
and spending time with family and friends.
18 CitySquare.org